TRUMBULL -- Last week, Trumbull High School students were told Principal Marc Guarino had canceled their school production over concerns the subject matter of the musical "Rent: School Edition" would be offensive if not handled correctly.

The rock musical by Jonathan Larson addresses the topics of HIV, AIDS, drug use and sexuality. The Broadway production has won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. The school edition is a modified version specifically targeted to high school students.

After learning of the principal's decision, the high school's Thespian Society set out to change Guarino's mind, collecting 1,500 petition signatures in school, across the community and across the country as news spread about the campaign.

But on Tuesday, in a letter submitted to the Board of Education, Guarino said the decision to perform the play was not discussed with him beforehand and he learned about it from a third party outside the school.

"Without a thought-out plan, `Rent: The School Edition' will be a missed educational opportunity," the principal, who has not responded to media inquiries, said in his letter. "Without proper planning, `Rent: The School Edition' has the potential to become a speech rather than a meaningful dialogue to capitalize on all significant themes it presents. I am committed to developing this plan to best meet the needs of all students."

That planning would not be complete in time for the Thespian Society's March opening date, said Guarino, who confirmed his decision with students Wednesday.

Immediately, the decision drew outrage from Trumbull residents and others throughout the country on Facebook and through online news sites and blogs.

This, in turn, prompted First Selectman Tim Herbst to weigh in on the subject Friday.

Herbst, who noted he has the "highest personal and professional respect" for Guarino, recommended that the play be put out later this year through the Trumbull Youth Association, which puts on a summer musical each year.

"Many of the Trumbull High School students who participate in our high school theater program are also members of TYA," Herbst said. "Proceeding with this musical in the summer through TYA offers enough time to address the very valid points offered by Mr. Guarino. It will also allow graduating Trumbull High School seniors the opportunity to perform in this musical before they leave for college."